Thanks for the info. Can you let me know what you were quoted for the S430, what the MSRP was and what options? I drove the S350 last week, noticed the space difference, and basically didn't think it drove or looked like the S430 or S500. Also, if you were quoted a lease it would be great to know the details.

I know this seems like a random idea, going against all my common sense, but there is a 2001 S430 for sale with 139,580 miles, it is only 23,000 dollars, should i take a risk as i can't afford anything else and i want a cool sedan, I drive very little, I'm wondering just what will need replacing right away?? any thoughts on this topic??

I know this seems like a random idea, going against all my common sense, but there is a 2001 S430 for sale with 139,580 miles, it is only 23,000 dollars, should i take a risk as i can't afford anything else and i want a cool sedan, I drive very little, I'm wondering just what will need replacing right away?? any thoughts on this topic??

That's a lot of miles. I think that you would be looking at major expenses down the road with a MB car of this high mileage, potentially costing many thousands of dollars.

I would not buy a MB unless it had some original warranty left on it or it was Starmarked by MB -- but that only takes a car up to 100,000 miles. There's a reason that MB will only warranty up to that mileage threshold .. they're not dumb!

One thing you can do is to ask to see ALL of the maintenance records. If not available in hard copy, the dealership where it was serviced (if indeed it was serviced there) should have maintenance records in their computer files. If you cannot know the maintenance history of this car, that's another deal breaker, as far as I am concerned.

If you are willing to buy a car with such high mileage, consider a Lexus LS430 instead. Even if the car were to need major repairs (doubtful) they would be far less costly. You would still be getting a luxury car.

My car was totalled from the flood and my banker has offerred me a 1999 Mercedes S320 with 152K miles for $13K. It runs smoothly, but there are 3 lights on - one ARB which supposedly has to do with the "lifts" and which the dealer that is cleaning it up for the bank, said should self correct with driving, but it hasn't; one for the air bags and one with a light symbol to the left of the stearing column. The glove compartment won't unlock and they don't have the "auto" remote, so I can't look at the book. The right side mirror is unstable and the cup holder won't collapse. The bank says they will service it and fix the obvious. Could someone please tell me what service I should be asking for - I used to have a mb and the timing chain alone was 3K when I had to replace it. They tell me this car will go 500K miles...is this true if properly serviced? Any information would help and can someone tell me if there is any way to get a remote for this vehicle without paying $700 for it through mb? I'd like to have it if I could get a feel for the service issues.

"If you are willing to buy a car with such high mileage, consider a Lexus LS430 instead. Even if the car were to need major repairs (doubtful) they would be far less costly. You would still be getting a luxury car."

Hmmmm, not sure about that either. You'll have airbags fail on a Lexus, $1500 per wheel. The display on the radio and climate will fail, hundreds more, the power steering will leak on the alternator, taking out the alternator - there are issues on an old Lexus too. Not saying they're not good, just not perfect as is sometimes implied. At high mileage, anything is gonna cost ya.

If you have $23,000 to spend, you could get an 04 Lincoln LS, an 02 Jaguar S-Type, or about an 02 C-230 frankly, that would give you quite a bit of life. I do agree - that S-430 is for someone who has money for repairs.

Hello all,Onthe subject of price....overall cost I mean. If am considering a 2001 s430 with 45k miles for $22k. Surface research indicates that is a fair price, but are there glaring issues with this year/model I should factor in?

Just bought my wife a 2003 s430 for 41000 grand its seems clean in and out we are really stoked it just feels like the rug is gonna be yanked from under us .. we never owned a mercedes and we hear everything is double price when something goes wrong,, weve taken out extended warranties aside from the existing one from the manufacturer. any unforseen problem possiblities or irregular consistantcys that members may have heard of please advise thnx guys!!

hi guys looking for chrome rims for my s430 2003? any ideas something maybe in 17" or 18" chrome. but dont like the 'star' look my wife will be driving it to work so i dont really want to get into low profile but yet we want the big wheel look maybe 19"..please help.

Hi,I received this message display 'No magazine' when I tried to activate the cd in my 2002 S500. The cd magazine is in the changer located in the trunk, but if I try to eject it, it will not eject as well. Does anyone experience this problem with their cd magazine and could advice me on this? I took it to the MB dealership for an estimate to fix it and they say it'll probably be $1200k to change the whole unit. Any advice would really appreciated.

I live in the Pittsburgh, Pa area 9 months of the year and central Florida 3 months of the year. Does anyone have any good experiences with dealers (both price and service ) in either of these areas. Thanks

Believe it or not, I prefer the outgoing body style/interior to the new '07 model and was wondering if anyone has had any recent buying experience from a Mercedes dealership. Are they offering great deals on the '06? Any input would be appreciated.

Sounds like that was a great price 7 months ago...what are they going for now? I am in the market TODAY for a new - or gently used S class. My present 99 S320 LWB has been great - any idea what I can really get for this with less than 64000 miles on it? Edmunds says less than $20K but that seems quite low for the last of the beautiful big body MB's?

I am still - or back - in the market for either a used S-Class or perhaps an E Class WAGON (I would consider a new wagon). I know this is a vast departure from an S-Class, but my first MB was a wagon and I loved it. I have spoken to MB dealers, but nothing with the right "provenance" in either an S-Class or a wagon has come available. I actually purchased a used Wagon locally and took it to my mechanic - he told me to "run-away" as there was undisclosed body damage (I thought I was pretty good at spotting this sort of thing) and - as it was "imported" from upstate NY or MASS - there was road salt damage to the sensors...and I do NOT want a "Manheim" car. I have always purchased NEW and have ALWAYS purchased "over the phone" and just picked it up. I now must either DO something or replace all 4 tires and face the upcoming 70K service. I AM READY FOR A NEW CAR.

I read the above post with a grain or two of salt (pardon the expresssion). Cars "imported from MA or upstate NY have "road salt damage to the sensors". Thats a new one on me. Additionally, upstate NY cars and MA cars have no more salt exposure than any other eastern car and in any case with modern cars you just don't see "salt damage" for at least a decade.

Me thinks that the 70K mile service would be a far better way to go, anyway. The sales tax alone on a new car would be far more than THREE of these services and what do four premium tires cost from the Tirerack cost, $475 with NO sales tax.

For everyone out these thinking about buying the S65 or even the S600, take a look at all of the options before buying the AMG car and you might find yourself with a little extra money and one very custom car. Here's an example, a customer wanted the S65 but I talked him into the S600 and we did a WALD kit on it, larger wheels and lowered the car. We are working on larger brakes and performance increases now, and when we get done he'll have a completely unique car and it'll still be cheaper than the AMG. And I always tell my friends that it doesnt cost anything to ask. ">Here's a couple pictures. See more Car Pictures at CarSpace.comSee more Car Pictures at CarSpace.comSee more Car Pictures at CarSpace.comSee more Car Pictures at CarSpace.com

I am interested in getting some perspectives on a lease for a 2008 MB S550 4Matic. The MSRP of the car is $98, 950, and has the premium III package. The lease specifics are: 39 month lease with 15K per year, with a MF of 3.00, and a $5k down payment. The residual is $49, 801. The monthly payment works out to be $1,695 per month. Is this a good deal? Thanks for the help!